history

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, Inc. (CSPNJ) was incorporated in May 1984 and is a statewide not-for-profit psychiatric consumer/survivor mental health and housing agency. The agency is managed and operated by and for consumers of mental health services, i.e., those persons who have been or are currently recipients of mental health services. By modeling mutual support, the agency provides direct services, technical assistance in the development of consumer-operated services, community education, and training. CSPNJ has a strong track record in areas of affordable housing development for persons with special needs, supportive housing services, community outreach, peer support services, and community advocacy for persons who have been or are currently recipients of mental health services.

In 1989 the Board of Directors and staff of CSPNJ made a strategic decision to focus the efforts of the agency on the development of housing and supportive housing services to address New Jersey’s pressing need for long-term affordable housing for persons with psychiatric disabilities and who have very low incomes. They believed that it was of primary importance for the agency to address the critical need for permanent, affordable housing, accompanied by individualized support services. It was decided that by developing innovative, effective services, CSPNJ could establish a model program for housing and services delivery for other providers of mental health services throughout the state. CSPNJ has been a leader in developing systems change through service innovation within the mental health system in New Jersey.

CSPNJ is unique in New Jersey and nationally as it is one of the very few consumer-managed agencies that provide multiple services using a strong self-help philosophy and consumer-empowerment services delivery orientation. CSPNJ shares a belief with other consumer/survivor providers throughout the nation that persons who are in treatment should be the principal navigators of and active participants in their own treatment planning. Further, active role-modeling, as provided by consumer professionals and peer support workers in the delivery of mental health services to consumers, is an effective method for management of symptoms and illness.